My yoga practice started when I was struggling as a single mom of a teenage girl. I had very little support and was feeling unsure of how to balance love and structure. I was feeling depleted. I knew that I was not being the role model that my daughter needed. It was through my first step at Asana practice that I learned that I could find a sense of balance and calm in my mind through movement. As I stretched & strengthened, I created space and connection to my body that I had never felt before. I felt present. I felt complete. My Asana practice became a time of self-loving and reconnection. From this full space, I started to become the mother I wanted to be. When I took the time to care for myself, I had more patience, compassion, and understanding. The love and respect I was showing for myself assisted me in creating appropriate boundaries in my relationship with my daughter and beyond.

I noticed that I did not feel resentful or exhausted when a friend or my family needed my help if I had allowed myself the same consideration.  Five years have passed, and my yoga practice has evolved to a part of my daily life. I continue to learn with each moment I practice. But, most importantly, I continue to love and connect by caring for myself and others with the same intensity. My daughter and I now practice together and share a love for growing in our relationship and our practice each and every day.

Yoga has brought a completion to my life. Allowing me to look inwards and have “ah ha!”  moments. Letting go of the past and the future—living in the now. Just to be… to be totally present in this exact moment. Whether it is just to slow down and watch the leaves fall, the water rush over the rocks on the river, or to see the brilliance from within myself. Learning this lesson of slowing down has helped me become a better daughter, wife and mother. Allowing me to be more patient and understanding with my son; appreciating his curiosity for life. Before I started practicing yoga I could lose my temper at the drop of a hat, having very little patience. Little things in life would set me off and I would let it wreck my whole day. I am now able to stop the downward spiral before it even starts. I see a situation as an experience to work through and enjoy. I am learning to see the big picture.

I have suffered with asthma my whole life; the feeling of not being able to breathe is terrifying. Yoga has taught me how to connect to my breath and to really breathe.

Before I was quick to judge and answer quickly with little thought behind my answer. This has changed; my ability to concentrate and communicate has grown stronger. I have the ability to ground my mind, body and soul. Finding quiet in my whole being; not feeling rushed, anxious or incomplete. Finding space within, moving into lightness in my life. I am more responsive to my situations, giving me more grace and abundance. I have found my bliss.

We are very pleased to announce that we will be offering our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training beginning on July 20th of 2012, in an intensive format, completing on August 10th. This course runs daily, with a day and a half off in the middle, some partial days off, and time off for the August Long Weekend. The course will be held in Vancouver.

Our small, intimate trainings have been recognized for their powerful teachings and transformation. I want to acknowledge and appreciate the staff; Naresh, Ron King, my lovely partner Sonya, Elaine Stamcoff of many hats, and the course mentors. These folks have assisted in presenting this program now for over 9 years! Lastly, lets acknowledge the 200+ graduates of this program. It is a courageous journey each of these men and women have embarked on, a journey inward to embrace their whole self, to work towards their True Self.

NEW! View a video of Harshad and Naresh speaking about the course!

Or View on our Youtube Channel: Conversation on Training

OUR TRAINING STYLE
We offer a really deep and special program: taking the time to instruct the “teachers-to-be” in the best and safest way for them to do the postures in their own bodies, and then how to teach their students in the same way.

So often, we hear that someone tried yoga, hurt themselves or strained something, and we think, “darn, that does not have to happen”, and that the teachers are not being trained to know how to work with ALL populations to create a safe experience. Some of the popular yoga schools have a set series of postures that you have to do in the class, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. The truth is that each person that comes to class is different, has different levels of health, strength, and flexibility. Our approach is to empower people where they are, and offer the tools to grow from that place. Our yoga training includes the personal development and philosophy that mirrors this practice ‘on the mat’. The students are led deeply in to a relationship with themselves, emerging from the course with integrity and wisdom. They then feel empowered to offer their unique dharma , their perfect gift of yoga to the world.

TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR GRADUATES!!!

Dave:

Akiko:

Kellie and Lisa:

Gail:

DATES AND COST
The training runs July 20th – August 10th, 2012. The course cost is $3395 plus tax, with discount options and payment plans. The course will be held at Yoga on 7th yoga studio in Vancouver.

Our trainings are accredited through Yoga Alliance, and also our graduates are Affilliated Kripalu Yoga Teachers, which is a wonderful testament to the integrity of our training relative to the Kripalu Center Yoga Teacher Training standards.

AUDIT PROGRAM
We have decided to open this training up to graduates of other accredited 200-Hour programs. We received the acknowledgment that our training was more complete than some of the other ‘physical’ yoga trainings out there. That we create a wonderful journey in to mind, and self, through the body. So… we decided it would serve our mission to open this training up to other yoga teachers who want to add a bit more to their experience and understanding of yoga as a path. We have made this very affordable, as the audit teachers will have already paid for a training. The price is $1700 plus HST. Registrants in the audit program must provide a copy of their previous certification to register.

RESOURCES:
200hr Application Form

200hr Tuition Letter

Application Letter 200hr – Vancouver July 2012

200hr Training Schedule Jul-Aug ‘12

YTT Info 200hr – Vancouver July 2012

New, beginning in 2011, the Trinity Yoga 200 and 300 Hour Yoga Trainings will offer an audit program, for certified graduates of Yoga Alliance yoga training programs.

The staff of our training, after interviewing other graduates of various yoga training programs, noticed an opportunity to support those teachers further. We recognized these other graduates had training in asana, etc., however, had not received a holistic understanding of yoga as it applies in the West. We have had many of those students in our regular studio classes, and received comments regarding the difference between what they had learned in their training (which had been very ‘external’ and physically based) and what they noticed in the style of yoga that Trinity offers. We heard the comments regarding supporting students ‘where they are’, versus some dictate that prescribes how the posture ‘should’ be. Lastly, we heard the comments regarding the personality of the teachers. That each of our staff teachers was different in their offering, which represents the empowerment of the teacher as an individual rather than simply reciting the ‘required’ components of other styles of yoga.

We offer this audit program in, we believe, a very affordable format. It includes ALL the
classroom time, resources and support each of the non-audit participants will receive.

The cost of the audit program is $1700 (for our 200 hour course), or $2700 (for our premier 300 hour course), plus HST.

For all these reasons, we feel this is a great opportunity for yoga teachers from many traditions to receive some of the acclaimed integrated training we have to offer.

You will have a wonderful journey, moving deeper in to yourself, and deeper in to yoga!

Namaste,

Harshad

Gurudev returns to Kelowna, November 21st to 25th, 2012, to offer the Yoga Nidra Immersion program.

Chronic stress has reached epidemic proportions.  It suppresses the immune system and it is the underlying root of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and attention deficit disorder.

Yoga Nidra holds the master key to reverse this attack on your body, mind, and spirit. It has the power to take you to the innermost, deepest levels of relaxation where your whole body and being is permeated by peace of mind and profound stillness. It unlocks the mystical, integrative powers of the subconscious and your higher centers of consciousness to effortlessly erase your most tenacious, self-destructive habits and behavior patterns held unconsciously in your physical, mental, and emotional bodies.

The Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra harnesses the power of conscious relaxation combined with integrative intention to rebuild your health, love life, family life, and professional life, and to actualize your intentions, visions, and prayers.

The Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra has been developed for a broad range of people, the immersion program is an intensive experience that is both informational and experiential. You will:

• Learn about the historical, biological and psychological foundations of Yoga Nidra
• Hear the latest research on the therapeutic impact of entering the Zero Stress Zone state
• Gain an understanding of the benefits of each component of the Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra
• Develop a home study regimen
• Receive a Yoga Nidra manual

All programs include:

• Discourses and in-depth information for the practice application of Yoga Nidra
• Explanation of the Amrit Method as it applies to energy, anatomy, breathing and meditation
• Experiential sessions of Amrit Yoga and Amrit Yoga Nidra
• Sessions with Gurudev including mantra chanting, guided meditation, discourse and Q&A

The Yoga Nidra Immersion will be held over 5 Days ~ November 21st to 25th, 2012 in Kelowna, BC. A truly amazing opportunity to ”Reclaim Your Health and Reshape Your Life”

Only $950 for the first 15 people who registered with a $100 deposit paid by May 15 and now the balance of $850 is due by June 30.

Balance of $850 + hst pay by June 30th.

Early Bird Special ~ program cost is $1150.00  until Sept 30th.

$1350.00  Oct 1st until Nov 21st.    (all prices +hst)

Please contact the Trinity Yoga office if you wish to make your payment in installments.

Refund Policy:  Amount paid is fully refundable less a $100 admin fee until Oct 1st.  After Oct 1st –  less a $250 admin fee.  After Nov 1st –  50% of total paid is refunded.

The Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra harnesses the power of conscious relaxation combined with integrative intention to rebuild your health, love life, family life, and professional life, and to actualize your intentions, visions, and prayers.

Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique in which you learn to relax consciously.

Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation.  You will be fully guided in this ancient form of meditation as you rest in the Shavasana position.

During this six week series you will also learn about and create your own personal intention, which then becomes a powerful tool used in the Yoga Nidra practice to create positive shifts in your beliefs about yourself.

Elaine has completed her “Level 1 Yoga Nidra Training” with Richard Miller and the “Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra Immersion and Yoga Nidra Professional Training” with Yogi Amrit Desai at the Amrit Yoga Institute in Florida.  Elaine has had an ongoing personal practice of Yoga Nidra for over 5 years that has resulted in many positive shifts in her life, some so amazing, that words alone cannot explain!

This 6 week series and the Yoga Nidra practices will be offered in the Amrit Method of Yoga Nidra.

Prior yoga or meditation experience is not required ~ open to all levels of practice.

Begins Sunday May 6th, 3:30 to 4:30pm @ the Kelowna studio.

$65.00 (+hst) for 6 week series.   Pre-registration is requested, as we require 6 students to offer this series.

As a mom of three kids, it is apparent to me that I need ways to nurture myself in order to be able to show up and be present for my family. If I am not feeling full—like my energy has been sucked out of me—then requests for my presence can seem overwhelming. Yoga is that gift to myself: it’s time I carve out just for me. Practicing postures, breath-work, and meditation, as well as spending time in my garden, help me to rejuvenate myself. Then, I can be available to others in my life. Recently, I have been aware of which relationships serve me, and which ones drain me. I used to try to fix everything, now I am more able to not give energy to what does not feed me. Such a ‘small thing’ makes such a beautiful difference in my life.

This quote from Pema Chodron really resonates with me: “We forget then we remember; that is why we call it practice.” This expresses the self-compassion that yoga has given me. Sometimes, I notice that I am not being how I want to be. In the past, I would lapse into self-criticism or self-judgement. Now, I have more awareness, and know that those moments when I might step off the path do not define me. The simple act of NOTICING changes things. Noticing self-criticism helps me to release it. No judgement: just the shift, back onto the path. In the challenging moments, if I am lucky, I remember my yoga practice and have an opportunity for awareness, self-compassion, and an acceptance of what is.

My practice of yoga began about four years ago when I moved to Kelowna. I had just ended a relationship; I found myself, after years of being away from family, living in close proximity with them, and many old wounds began to resurface. I knew no one else in town, and I felt alone, unhappy and helpless. I did not feel close to my family. I did not know how to effectively communicate with them or how to begin healing old wounds. I decided to enroll in the Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training program with Jeff and Sonya at Trinity Yoga Centre. My practice of yoga up until this point had been minimal, but still I felt a calling to do the program. I had no idea that the next nine months would change me, my relationships, and the quality and course of my life in a way I could never have imagined. At times it was very difficult to face the awareness of myself that the practices were bringing. I began to see many things I didn’t like, but yoga teaches compassion for all things, including oneself. I began to learn how to love and accept myself, and others, with patience, forgiveness and understanding. My relationship with my mother and father, sisters, brother, and others had begun to heal. I learned how to communicate more effectively. I continue to use the tools and practices that I have learned through yoga, in particular Kripalu yoga, and they have enriched my life immensely.

I feel more at ease with myself, and more open to other people. Through the physical and philosophical practice of yoga my awareness has expanded beyond my ’small self’ and because of this I feel much more at ease in life, and less susceptible to inner fears and confusion. I am more willing to experience all that life brings; I don’t expect myself to be perfect, and I feel much less attached to outcomes. Instead of trying to control situations or the people around me, I can now let go much easier, and allow things to unfold naturally. I feel much more at peace, and all the unnecessary fears and expectations I have let go of has left a new space for joy to grow. My relationships with family continue to heal and deepen, I feel much closer to friends, and I have a wonderful relationship with my partner. I am also a new mother, and I am so grateful that I can now create a positive, healthy atmosphere for my child, and for our family.

I have gained a greater acceptance of myself and others and reached a depth of much greater compassion and love for all things. I no longer resist life in the same ways that I used to, and therefore enjoy a much greater enthusiasm and sense of joy in all things that I do. I am so filled with gratitude for this beautiful practice that encompasses all aspects of life and for the tools that I have gained and use every day which continue to deepen my experience of peace and well-being. I feel more open, honest, loving and real. What beautiful gifts I will have to share with my child! And what a precious gift it is for me to enter into the magical world of motherhood with an enhanced inner strength, and an ever growing awareness of my true nature.

The teachings of yoga continue to enrich my life, and allow me to experience each and every moment as an adventure, a mystery and a gift.

I can’t imagine now how I ever lived without yoga in my life!

Using healthy ingredients and innovative recipes you will help create a wonderful meal during this unique, hands on cooking experience.

You will always leave each class feeling nourished with delicious food and valuable information.

On the Menu

Raw I

Lively Hot & Sour Soup, Mediterranean Kale, Raw carrot-Walnut Nori Rolls, Marinated Portobello Mushrooms, Brownie Balls, Date Almond Balls and…..

Sunday May 27th, 5:00 to 7:30pm

$40 +hst per person   **pre-registration is required

Raw II

Chili Con Quesco, Avocado Salsa, Fiesta Ensalada, Cashew sour Cream, Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Tart and more….

Sunday June 17th, 5:00 to 7:30pm

$40 +hst per person   **pre-registration is required

Location: Small Boat Association, 4220 Hobson Rd, Kelowna ]]> http://trinityyogacenter.com/blog/community/raw-foods-classes/feed/ 0 http://trinityyogacenter.com/blog/community/middle-eastern-inspired-vegan-cooking-class/ http://trinityyogacenter.com/blog/community/middle-eastern-inspired-vegan-cooking-class/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:43:31 +0000 admin http://trinityyogacenter.com/blog/?p=1857 Explore the yoga of cooking!

Using healthy ingredients and innovative recipes you will help create a wonderful meal during this unique, hands on cooking experience.   

You will always leave each class feeling nourished with delicious food and valuable information.

On the menu:

Hummous, Muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip), Fattoush Salad with Tahini Sauce, Roasted Eggplant with Za’atar, Chard, Chickpea and Pomegranate Stew, Halva

Sunday April 29th,  6pm-8:30pm @ Small Boat Association, 4220 Hobson Rd. Kelowna.

$40 +tax per person    **pre-registration is required